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Cassius Winston vs. Zavier Simpson: A rivalry years in the making

LSJ columnist Graham Couch, Freep beat writer Chris Solari and Freep columnist Shawn Windsor analyze MSU's chances against U-M Graham Couch and Chris Solari and Shawn Windsor, Lansing State Journal

EAST LANSING — Xavier Tillman senses something different in his point guard this week.

Cassius Winston, Tillman believes, has something to prove against Michigan's Zavier Simpson.

“Just because of their history, I think he’s just fired up more,” Tillman said Thursday. “And he’s been playing so well lately that I think that’s gonna carry into the game as well.”

No. 10 Michigan State needs Winston to continue to perform like the Big Ten Player of the Year and All-American candidate he has become — especially with starters Nick Ward and Joshua Langford out — when the Spartans face No.